Co-Work Spaces: The Offices of Tomorrow?

At Vantage, over the last couple of months we have seen some amazing, innovative and well equipped co-workspaces pop up around Manchester and the UK.

But before we start firing off statistics and projections on how co-workspaces are ‘disrupting’ the market, lets first define what a co-workspace is.

“A co-working office space refers to sharing office space, and is a viable alternative to conventional, serviced or home offices for independently working individuals or small business owners. A co-working space offers office environment for such people where they can work collaboratively in a shared area.”

A new office for a new age

Note the phrase alternative to conventional because that’s what really defines these new collaborative workspaces. Gone are the days of traditional four walled offices all fitted with the same dreary carpet, intimidating boardrooms and never ending stacks of files.

Todays fresh young start-ups aren’t interested in the traditional 9-5 regime. What do they want? Flexibility! When do they want it? Now! And co-workspace has provided them with the perfect formula.

But why now?

The traditional infrastructure of an office typically works in a similar way to an ants nest. Every individual is assigned a job to do and through strict regulation or management everybody carries our their duties as efficiently as possible.

However, in todays digital age of creative freedom, anybody can start a company from the ground up all without having to leave their bedroom (I’m guessing there are a lot of smelly bedrooms at the moment). Files, meetings and work can all be managed and stored within a single laptop.

So without the need for a physical or traditional office or place of work. Young start-ups (admittedly with a bit of capital behind them) are flocking by their swarms to the newest, hippest co-workspace in town.

Why not Starbucks?

Any modern co-workspace in todays hyper-competitive market doesn’t stand a chance in hell of attracting the new generation of entrepreneurs, if they fail to facilitate their 21st Century needs.  Typically, the more expensive a co-workspace is-the better equipped it is.

But fear not! Even the cheaper options come with free WiFi, kitchen facilities, refreshments and sometimes printing. But if you are willing to pay a bit extra, some co-workspaces come with everything a fresh young start-up would need to succeed. Including:

• Beer on tap (WeWork)
• Pool tables (BeehiveLofts)
• Homemade cakes and afternoon tea (Ziferblat)
• Wellness centre (WeWork)